Multiple mode display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multiple mode display apparatus and methods of use. An apparatus includes a display surface with a first and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with the display proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from a coplanar position with the surface of the display device to a position wherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of the display and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the first position, the first display area is visible and activated to receive user input or to display output. The second display area is covered by the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In the second position, the second display area is visible and activated to display output.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/185,154, filed Jun.27, 2002, currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Today, a personal computing and/or communicating device such as a laptopor notebook computer, for example, or a tablet or palm-held computer,has a single typical mode of use. The display of a tablet computer, forexample, may be touch-sensitive for interactive user input by a stylusor pen-like device. A notebook, on the other hand, may acceptinteractive user input through a keyboard or a pointing device such as amouse or a touch pad. While personal computing and/or communicatingdevices are rapidly changing, with new technologies for displays,pointing devices, keyboards and such, the mode of interactive user inputfor a particular device is typically limited to a small number of fixedfunctional options with some support for the addition of peripheraldevices and docking configurations.

Another common characteristic of current personal computing and/orcommunicating devices is the importance of battery life. Systemmanufacturers go to great lengths to conserve power and charge premiumsfor the latest battery technologies. Processors have design featuressuch as automatic frequency reduction directed at limiting powerconsumption and display devices dim backlighting when on battery power.Systems put themselves into a standby mode after a period of no userinput or when power reserves reach a critical level.

At times, it may be inconvenient for a user to have such a limited rangeof options. A particular user may most often need to interact with adevice while holding the device in one hand, but must store or carryalong one or more peripherals in order to read data from a disk or tointeract with the device through a keyboard or view a full colordisplay. If an extra battery is not readily available, the user may beforced to terminate interactive use of the device until an alternativepower source is available. This situation is especially prevalent sincecurrent display devices require a significant portion of a battery'spower reserves. A user carrying a notebook computer may not require afull color display or even a keyboard to read email but the device maynot be so flexible as to permit easy reconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having a firstuser interactive configuration with a fully active display area.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having apivotally attached keyboard housing.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

FIG. 8 a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

FIG. 8 e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

FIG. 8 f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

FIG. 8 g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area.

FIG. 9 b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

FIG. 9 c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

FIG. 9 d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

FIG. 9 e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

FIG. 9 f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

FIG. 9 g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a pivotally attached keyboard housing.

FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a user interactiveconfiguration of a computing device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption with a keyboard housing covering part of the display areawhile another part of the display area remains visible and interactive,a base housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a user interactiveconfiguration of a computing device with a fully active display area, abase housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display and a keyboard housing beingpivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the basehousing.

FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of a closed,standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computing device.

FIG. 14 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 14 a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

FIG. 14 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 14 a with a fully activedisplay area, the keyboard housing being supported by the base housingwhich is pivotally displaced to form an angle with display surface ofsubstantially 90 degrees.

FIG. 15 a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

FIG. 15 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 15 a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

FIG. 15 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 15 a with a fully activedisplay area, the keyboard housing being supported by the base housingwhich is pivotally displaced to form an angle with display surface ofsubstantially 90 degrees.

FIG. 16 a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

FIG. 16 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 16 a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

FIG. 16 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 16 a with a fully activedisplay area, the keyboard housing being supported by the base housingwhich is pivotally displaced to form an angle with display surface ofsubstantially 90 degrees.

FIG. 17 a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of a process forconfiguring a plurality of user interactive modes of a transformablecomputing device.

FIG. 17 b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of a process foroptionally configuring between a plurality of user interactive modes anda standby mode of a transformable computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a multiple mode display apparatus and methods ofuse. One embodiment of an apparatus includes a display surface with afirst and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with thedisplay proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from acoplanar position with the surface of the display device to a positionwherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of thedisplay and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the firstposition, the first display area is visible and activated to receiveuser input or to display output, but the second display area is coveredby the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In thesecond position, the second display area is visible and activated todisplay output.

These and other embodiments of the present invention may be realized inaccordance with the following teachings and it should be evident thatvarious modifications and changes may be made in the following teachingswithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense and the invention measuredonly in terms of the claims and their equivalents.

For the purpose of the following discussion of embodiments of thepresent invention, illustrative terms are used. Definitions for certainsuch illustrative terms follows.

A computing device or a communicating device may be understood to meanany one of a variety of devices for accessing data and/orcommunications. Examples include but are not limited to any combinationsof one or more of the following: laptop computers, notebook computers;desktop computers, personal digital assistants, handheld computers,personal organizers; palmtop computers, pocket computers, cellulartelephone/fax devices, game computers, digitizing tablet devices,electronic books, or digital audio recorder/players.

A keyboard or a key-entry device may be understood to mean any one of avariety of devices for keyed entry of data, including but not limited toa combination of one or more of the following: an alpha-numeric keyboardhaving symbols of any language; a telephone keypad having numeric oralpha-numeric keys and/or various redial, memory-dial, messaging orother function keys and optionally including a glide-point or otherpointing device; a numeric keypad with various mathematical operationkeys; a directional keypad with arrows, menus or selection keys; agaming keypad; an entertainment or presentation key-entry device withvarious seek, scan, play, reverse, fast-forward, channel select, volumecontrol, level control or other function keys; a cash register keyboard;or any custom key-entry device having mechanical, electronic, printed,projected or other type of keys for user interaction.

A display may be understood to mean any one of a variety of devices fordisplaying data, images, icons, etc. It may comprise a continuous ordiscontinuous, flat, curved or flexible display surface including butnot limited to a combination of one or more of the followingtechnologies: liquid crystal with amorphous silicon thin-filmtransistor, metal-insulator-metal, or polysilicon thin-film transistoractive matrix displays or liquid crystal with color super-twist nematic,double-layer supertwist nematic, high performance addressing, or dualscan passive matrix displays; back lit displays; electroluminescentdisplays; gas plasma displays; plasma addressed liquid crystal displays;digital visual interface displays; field emission displays; cathode raytube displays; thin cold cathode displays; organic light-emitting diodedisplays; light-emitting polymer displays; touch screen displays usingmulti-wire resistive, surface wave, touch-on-tube, or infrared touchsensing; interlaced or progressive scanned displays; heads-up displays;back-projecting displays; reflective displays; or holographicautostereoscopic displays.

It will be appreciated that the invention can may be modified inarrangement and detail by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the principles of the present invention within the scope of theaccompanying claims and their equivalents.

Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computing device isillustrated, the computing device having a first user interactiveconfiguration 101 with a fully active display area 114. The computingdevice also includes base housing 112, keyboard housing 111, andpointing device 116. In one embodiment, base housing 112 is pivotallyattached with display area 114 and comprises one or more processors, anda rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, keyboard housing 111 iselectrically connected with base housing 112 by wires, and in analternative embodiment keyboard housing 111 comprises a wirelesskeyboard. In the first user interactive configuration 101, keyboardhousing 111 forms an angle 113 with display area 114 of substantially 90degrees or more. For one embodiment of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101, keyboard housing 111 and pointing device 116 are bothactive to receive user input.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 201 of thecomputing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing 111 covering aportion of the display area 114 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 214 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 111 is pivotally attached with display area114, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101 to a position substantially coplanar with display area114 in the second user interactive configuration 201. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 111 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 201.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 300 having adisplay device 314 and a keyboard housing 311, which is pivotallyattached with display device 314 proximate edge 315. For one embodimentof computing device 300, keyboard housing 311 is pivotally displaceableabout edge 315 from a first position substantially coplanar with thesurface of the display device 314 wherein a bottom portion of thedisplay area of display device 314 is visually obscured by keyboardhousing 311 and is not active to display output. Keyboard housing 311 isalso displaceable to a second position with the surface of displaydevice 314 wherein the bottom portion of the display area is visible andthe entire display area of display device 314 is active to displayoutput.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration 401 with a fully activedisplay area 414. The computing device includes base housing 412, andkeyboard housing 411. In one embodiment, base housing 412 is pivotallyattached with display area 414. For one embodiment of the first userinteractive configuration 401, keyboard housing 411 forms an angle 413with display area 414 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For oneembodiment of the first user interactive configuration 401, keyboardhousing 411 is active to receive user input.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 501 of thecomputing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing 411 covering aportion of the display area 414 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 514 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 411 is pivotally attached with display area414, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 401 to a position substantially coplanar with display area414 in the second user interactive configuration 501. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 411 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 401. For one alternative embodiment of the second userinteractive configuration 501, base housing 412 is pivotallydisplaceable about an angle 513 with respect to display area 414 andkeyboard housing 411.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration 601 with a fully activedisplay area 614. The computing device includes base housing 612, andkeyboard housing 611. For one embodiment of the first user interactiveconfiguration 601, keyboard housing 611 forms an angle 613 with displayarea 614 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thefirst user interactive configuration 601, keyboard housing 611 is activeto receive user input.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 701 of thecomputing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing 611 covering aportion of the display area 614 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 714 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 611 is pivotally attached with display area614, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 601 to a position substantially coplanar with display area714 in the second user interactive configuration 701. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 611 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 701.

FIG. 8 a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area 814 and a keyboard housing 811 pivotally attached aboutpivot axis 818, keyboard housing 811 forming an angle 813 with displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 812 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 817 with respect to display area 814, pivot axis 818and keyboard housing 811. For one alternative embodiment of thetransformable computing device, pivot axis 817 and pivot axis 818function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 818 may be divided topermit display area 814 and keyboard housing 811 to pivot independentlyabout pivot axis 817, functioning as a pair of double acting hinges.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing 811 covering partof the display area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 824 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 811 is displaced about pivotaxis 818 from the position of the first user interactive configurationto a position substantially coplanar with display area 814 in the seconduser interactive configuration.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817, basehousing 812 forming an angle 810 with a back surface opposite displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support the computing devicefrom behind the display. Keyboard housing 811 forms an angle 813 aboutpivot axis 818 with the front surface of display area 814 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption. While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area814, another part 824 of the display area remains visible andinteractive. Base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis817, base housing 812 forming an angle 810 with the back surfaceopposite display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support thecomputing device from behind the display.

FIG. 8 e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817 to acoplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.Keyboard housing 811 again forms an angle 813 about pivot axis 818 withthe front surface of display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees ormore.

FIG. 8 f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a mode of reduced power consumptionwhile the base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area 814, anotherpart 824 of the display area remains visible and interactive. For oneembodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivatedto transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent with displayarea 814. For an alternative embodiment of the computing device,keyboard housing 811 is activated to transmit user input in the coplanarposition adjacent with display area 814 but the covered part of displayarea 814 is deactivated.

FIG. 8 g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8 a. Keyboard housing 811 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 and base housing 812 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 817 to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display area 814. The computing device, sensing the closedposition of base housing 812 with respect to display area 814 enters asecond mode of reduced power consumption. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivated to transmit userinput and all of display area 814 is deactivated. For an alternativeembodiment base housing 812 enters a standby configuration.

FIG. 9 a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area 914 pivotally attached about pivot axis 918and a keyboard housing 911 pivotally attached about pivot axis 916,keyboard housing 911 forming an angle 913 with display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 912 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 917 with respect to display area 914, pivot axis 918,keyboard housing 911 and pivot axis 916. For one alternative embodimentof the transformable computing device, pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918function as a second double acting hinge.

FIG. 9 b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing 911 covering partof the display area 914 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 924 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 911 is displaced about pivotaxis 916 and also about pivot axis 918 from the position of the firstuser interactive configuration to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 914 in the second user interactive configuration.

FIG. 9 c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917forming an angle 910 with a back surface opposite display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees to support the computing device from behind thedisplay. Keyboard housing 911 forms an angle 913 about pivot axis 916and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

FIG. 9 d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a positionsubstantially coplanar with display area 914 to place the display devicein a mode of reduced power consumption. While keyboard housing 911covers part of the display area 914, another part 924 of the displayarea remains visible and interactive. Base housing 912 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 917 forming an angle 910 with the backsurface opposite display area 914 of substantially 90 degrees to supportthe computing device from behind the display.

FIG. 9 e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 andpivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofthe display. Keyboard housing 911 again forms an angle 913 about pivotaxis 916 and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914of substantially 90 degrees or more.

FIG. 9 f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a mode of reducedpower consumption while the base housing 912 is pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display. While keyboard housing 911 coverspart of the display area 914, another part 924 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, display area 914 is deactivated to transmit user input in thecoplanar position adjacent with keyboard housing 911. For an alternativeembodiment of the computing device, part 924 of the display area 914 isactivated to transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent withkeyboard housing 911 but the covered part of display area 914 andkeyboard housing 911 are deactivated.

FIG. 9 g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9 a. Keyboard housing 911 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 and base housing 912is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 tosubstantially coplanar positions adjacent with display area 914. Thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 912 withrespect to display area 914 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing device 1000having a display device 1014 and a keyboard housing 1011, which ispivotally attached with display device 1014 proximate edge 1015. For oneembodiment of computing device 1000, keyboard housing 1011 is pivotallydisplaceable about edge 1015 from a first position substantiallycoplanar with the surface of the display device 1014 wherein a portionof the display area of display device 1014 is visually obscured bykeyboard housing 1011 and is not active to display output or to transmituser input. For one embodiment of computing device 1000, keyboardhousing 1011 is active to transmit user input when in this firstposition. Keyboard housing 1011 is also displaceable to a secondposition with the surface of display device 1014 wherein the bottomportion of the display area is visible and the entire display area ofdisplay device 1014 is active to display output and to transmit userinput (for example from a touch of a stylus, digit, light pen or otherdevice).

FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a user interactiveconfiguration of a computing device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption with a keyboard housing 1111 pivotally attached about pivotaxis 1116 and covering a portion of the display area of display device1113 while the display area 1114 remains visible and interactive, a basehousing 1112 being pivotally displaced about pivot axis 1117 and pivotaxis 1118 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofdisplay device 1113. For one embodiment keyboard housing 1111 ispivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivot axis1116 and pivot axis 1119 attached with base housing 1112. For anotherembodiment keyboard housing 1111 comprises a detachable and/orreversible keyboard. For one alternative embodiment display device 1113is pivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivotaxis 1118 and pivot axis 1117 attached with base housing 1112. Foranother alternative embodiment keyboard housing 1111 is pivotallydisplaceable about pivot axis 1116 and/or pivot axis 1118 attached withdisplay device 1113.

FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a user interactiveconfiguration of a computing device with a fully active display area1214, a base housing 1212 being pivotally displaced about pivot axis1217 and pivot axis 1218 to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display 1213, and a keyboard housing 1211 being pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1216 and pivot axis 1219 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the base housing 1212. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, the entire display area 1214 of display 1213 is activeto display output and to transmit user input.

FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12. A keyboard housing ispivotally displaced about pivot axis 1316 and optionally about pivotaxis 1319. Base housing 1312 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1317 and pivot axis 1318. Both are displaced to substantially coplanarpositions adjacent with display 1313. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 1312 withrespect to display 1313, base housing 1312 enters a standby or shut downconfiguration.

FIG. 14 a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of a closed,standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computing device.Keyboard housing 1411 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 1418 andoptionally about pivot axis 1417. Base housing 1412 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418. Both are displacedto substantially coplanar positions adjacent with display 1413. For oneembodiment of the computing device, sensing the closed position, basehousing 1412 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

FIG. 14 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 14 a with keyboard housing 1411optionally displaced about pivot axis 1418 and pivot axis 1417 to a modeof reduced power consumption while base housing 1412 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1413.

FIG. 14 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 14 a with a fully activedisplay 1413, keyboard housing 1411 being supported by base housing 1412which is pivotally displaced to form an angle of substantially 90degrees with the front surface of display 1413.

FIG. 15 a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Keyboard housing 1511 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1516 and pivot axis 1518. Base housing 1512 is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518. Both are displaced to substantiallycoplanar positions adjacent with display 1513. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position, base housing 1512 entersa standby or shut down configuration.

FIG. 15 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 15 a with keyboard housing 1511displaced about pivot axis 1516 and pivot axis 1518 to a mode of reducedpower consumption while base housing 1512 is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of display 1513.

FIG. 15 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 15 a with a fully activedisplay 1513 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1518, keyboard housing1511 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1516 to pivot axis 1518, andbeing supported by base housing 1512, which is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to form an angle of substantially 90degrees with the front surface of display 1513.

FIG. 16 a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Both keyboard housing 1611, pivotally displaced about pivot axis1616 and pivot axis 1619; and base housing 1612, pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 1617, are displaced to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display 1613. Base housing 1612 enters a standby or shutdown configuration.

FIG. 16 b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration of thetransformable computing device of FIG. 16 a with keyboard housing 1611optionally displaced about pivot axis 1616 and pivot axis 1619 to a modeof reduced power consumption while base housing 1612 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1613.

FIG. 16 c illustrates in detail another user interactive configurationof the transformable computing device of FIG. 16 a with a fully activedisplay 1613 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1618, keyboard housing1611 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1616 to pivot axis 1619, andbeing supported by base housing 1612, which is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to form an angle of substantially 90degrees with the front surface of display 1613.

FIG. 17 a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of a process forconfiguring a plurality of user interactive modes of a transformablecomputing device. Processing blocks that perform process 1701 and otherprocesses herein disclosed may comprise dedicated hardware or softwareor firmware operation codes executable by general purpose machines or byspecial purpose machines or by a combination of both.

In processing block 1711 a key-entry housing is being pivoted about anedge of a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block 1712. Inprocessing block 1712 a check is performed to see if a change in angleis sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block 1712 until achange is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processing block1713 where the angle is checked to see if it is substantially ninety(90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds in processing block1717 where the first interactive user configuration is initiated andprocessing then continues in processing block 1712 until another changein angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processing block1714 where the angle is checked to see if it is substantially zero (0)degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processing block 1716 where thesecond interactive user configuration is initiated and processing thencontinues in processing block 1712 until another change in angle issensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processing block 1715 where nochange in interactive user configuration is initiated and processingreturns to processing block 1712 until a new change in angle is sensed.

FIG. 17 b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of a process1702 for optionally configuring between a plurality of user interactivemodes and a standby mode of a transformable computing device. Inprocessing block 1721 a key-entry housing is being pivoted about an edgeof a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block 1722. Inprocessing block 1722 a check is performed to see if a change in angleis sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block 1722 until achange is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processing block1723 where the angle is checked to see if it is substantially ninety(90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds in processing block1727 where the previous interactive user configuration is resumed andprocessing then continues in processing block 1722 until another changein angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processing block1724 where the angle is checked to see if it is substantially zero (0)degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processing block 1726 where thecurrent interactive user configuration is switched to a standbyconfiguration and processing then continues in processing block 1722until another change in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceedsin processing block 1725 where no change in device configuration isinitiated and processing returns to processing block 1722 until a newchange in angle is sensed.

The above description is intended to illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe present invention. From the discussion above it should also beapparent that especially in such an area of technology, where growth isfast and further advancements are not easily foreseen, the invention canmay be modified in arrangement and detail by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the principles of the present invention withinthe scope of the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

1. A method comprising: placing a display device in a first mode ofreduced power consumption by closing a first housing over the displaydevice having a first display area and a second display area to coverthe second display area, wherein the first display area is visible andactive to display scrolled output; and placing the display device in asecond mode of greater power consumption than the first mode by openingthe first housing to uncover the second display area, wherein the seconddisplay area is active.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:closing a second housing over the display device to cover the firstdisplay area and to place the display device in a third mode of reducedpower consumption with respect to the second mode, the third modedifferent from the first mode.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein thefirst display area and the second display area both deactivated in thethird mode.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the first display area istouch sensitive in the first mode.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein thesecond display area is touch sensitive and is activated to accept userinput by opening the first housing.
 6. An apparatus comprising: aninteractive display device having a surface comprising a first displayarea and a second display area; a first housing attached in asubstantially coplanar first position with the surface of the displaydevice wherein the second display area is inactive and visually obscuredby the first housing, the first display area is visible and active as aninput device to receive user input and to display output, the firsthousing being displaceable to a second position with the surface of thedisplay device wherein the first display area and the second displayarea are both visible and both active to display output.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein the first display area is touch sensitivein the first position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, the first housingcomprising a keyboard to accept user input in the second position. 9.The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first display area and the seconddisplay area are touch sensitive in the second position.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, the first housing comprising a keyboard to acceptuser input in the first position.
 11. An apparatus comprising: aninteractive display device having a surface comprising a first displayarea and a second display area; a first housing attached in asubstantially coplanar first position with the surface of the displaydevice wherein the second display area is placed in a mode of reducedpower consumption and obscured by the first housing while the firstdisplay area is visible and activated as an input device to receive userinput and to display output, the first housing displaceable to a secondposition with the surface of the display device wherein the firstdisplay area and the second display area are both visible and activatedto display output.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the mode ofreduced power consumption is accomplished in part by deactivatingback-lighting for the second display area in the first position.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, the first housing comprising a keyboard to acceptuser input in the second position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 whereinthe first display area and the second display area are touch sensitiveand activated to receive user input in the second position.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, the first housing comprising a keyboard to acceptuser input in the first position.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a displaydevice having a surface comprising a first display area and a seconddisplay area; a substantially planar first housing pivotally attachedwith said display device proximate a first edge of the first housing anddisplaceable from a substantially coplanar first position with thesurface of the display device to a second position with the surface ofthe display device wherein an angle is formed along said first edge ofat least 90 degrees between the surface of the display device and thefirst housing, the first display area being visible and being activatedas an input device to receive user input and to display output in saidfirst position, the second display area being visible and beingactivated to display output in said second position but being covered bythe first housing and being placed in a mode of reduced powerconsumption in said first position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16wherein back-lighting of the second display area is deactivated in thefirst position.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, the first housingcomprising a keyboard to accept user input in the second position. 19.The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the second display area is touchsensitive and activated to receive user input in the second position.20. The apparatus of claim 19, the first housing comprising a keyboardto accept user input in the first position.
 21. An apparatus comprising:a display device having a surface comprising a first display area and asecond display area; and a first housing attached in a substantiallycoplanar first position with the surface of the display device whereinthe second display area is visually obscured by the first housing and isnot active to display output but the first display area is visible andis active to display output comprising a plurality of user selectableapplications, the first housing being displaceable to a second positionwith the surface of the display device wherein the first display areaand the second display area are both visible and are both active todisplay output comprising the plurality of user selectable applications.22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first display area istouch-sensitive to accept user input in the first position.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 22, the first housing comprising a keyboard to acceptuser input in the second position.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21 whereinthe second display area is touch sensitive and deactivated for acceptinguser input in the first position but activated to receive user input inthe second position.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, the first housingcomprising a keyboard to accept user input in the first position.
 26. Acomputer system comprising: an addressable memory to store data; aprocessor to access data from said addressable memory responsive to userinput; a first housing having a first edge, the first housing comprisinga display device having a first display area and a second display area;a second housing pivotally attached with said first housing proximatesaid first edge displaceable to a first closed position substantiallycoplanar with the first housing wherein the second display area isplaced in a mode of reduced power consumption and the first display areais visible and is activated to display output, the second housingpivotally displaceable to a first open position wherein the firstdisplay area and the second display area are both visible and are bothactivated to display output; and a third housing pivotally attached withsaid second housing displaceable to a second closed positionsubstantially coplanar with the first housing wherein the first displayarea and the second display area are both covered and are bothdeactivated to display output, the third housing displaceable to asecond open position wherein at least the first display area is visibleand is activated to display output.
 27. The system of claim 26 whereinthe second housing comprises a keyboard.
 28. The system of claim 27wherein the third housing comprises a central processing unit.
 29. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the second display area is visually obscuredby the first housing when the first housing is in the first closedposition.
 30. The system of claim 29 wherein the first display area istouch sensitive in the first closed position.